In a major leadership shake-up designed to enhance operational efficiency and reinforce command structures, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the posting and appointment of several senior officers to key command, staff, and instructional positions across formations and training institutions of the Nigerian Army.
According to Acting Director Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Appolonia Anele, the wide-ranging redeployment, announced on Thursday, is aimed at repositioning the Army for greater professionalism, strategic depth, and combat readiness in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Among the newly appointed senior officers is Major General Bamidele Alabi, who has been posted to the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army). Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly Chief of Special Services and Programmes, proceeds to the Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Operations, while Major General Peter Mala has been appointed Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Minna.
Also affected is Major General Samson Jiya, who moves from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) to the Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.
Other notable appointments include Major General Mayirenso Saraso, now Chief of Operations (Army); Major General Isa Abdullahi, Chief of Administration (Army); and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army).
Under the new postings, Major General Abubakar Haruna assumes command of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, while Major General Philip Ilodibia becomes Chief of Defence Space Administration.
Further appointments include Major General Godwin Mutkut as Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar as Commander Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo as Corps Commander Artillery, and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi as Corps Commander Signals.
Others are Major General Taofik Sidick, Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army); Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim, Corps Commander Ordnance; Major General Adeyinka Adereti, Corps Commander Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; Major General Nansak Shagaya, Corps Commander Supply and Transport; and Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, appointed Acting Corps Commander Education.
In the training and educational institutions, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye has been appointed Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna; Major General Emmanuel Mustapha, Commandant, Nigerian Army Signal School; Major General Adamu Hassan, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Artillery; and Brigadier General John Bulus, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.
In the field commands, Major General Saidu Audu assumes duty as Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena; Major General Warrah Idris takes over as Commander, Joint Task Force North West (Operation FANSAN YAMMA); while Major General Oluremi Fadairo becomes General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu, and Commander, Joint Task Force South East (Operation UDO KA).
At the Defence Headquarters, Major General Olatokumbo Bello was appointed Director, Defence Media Operations, and Brigadier General Samaila Uba redeployed as Director, Defence Information.
Lieutenant General Shaibu, in his directive to the newly appointed officers, charged them to demonstrate exemplary leadership, uphold discipline, and bring their vast operational and administrative experience to bear in driving a combat-ready and people-focused Army.
He further urged them to sustain the ongoing operational momentum, strengthen interagency synergy, and remain steadfast in upholding the Army’s core values of loyalty, integrity, selfless service, and excellence.
